Obituary for Randall Wallace Gleaves

Randall “Randy” Wallace Gleaves was born on March 18, 1953, and left his loved ones bereft on October 20, 2024. Born in Memphis, he grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee and attended Holston High School where he played basketball and loved running around with his friends.

A lifelong Volunteers fan, Randy attended the University of Tennessee twice; first earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and then his MBA. A proud Phi Gamma Delta, Randy always cherished the friends he made and loved getting together for their annual Tennessee-Alabama gameday party.

Randy worked as a Financial Analyst throughout his career for companies such as Coca-Cola, Keebler, and FiServ. While living and working in Atlanta, Randy met his future wife, Kirsten Johnson Gleaves. Prior to Randy’s passing, they had nineteen happy years, especially the last six after their move to their new home in Hayesville, North Carolina.

Randy was the oh- so proud father of Brandy Suzanne Kretz and Blake Randall Gleaves, and the children of his heart, Court Smith, Dan Kretz, and Alanna Gleaves. His grandchildren, Hudson and Maley Kretz, and Woody, Hayes, and Maris Gleaves are all brilliant, beautiful, and were deeply loved by their grandfather. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law Christa and Christopher Curtis, as well as his treasured nephews, nieces, and all manner of in laws and outlaws.

We know he has rejoined his parents, George Washington and Jacqueline Goodrich Gleaves, as well as his older sister and brother, Adele Gleaves and Gary Gleaves.

Randy loved children, animals, a good cup of coffee, college football, cars, a cold beer on the beach, and making people laugh. Always humble and gracious, he never hesitated to help a friend and was quick to compliment a gift or a good meal. He had a big heart, a big personality, and will truly be missed.

No service is planned at this time, but if you feel so moved to honor Randy, plant a tree or adopt a dog in his memory.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com